18 May (NucNet): Atomic Energy of Canada Ltd’s (AECL) National Research Universal (NRU) reactor at Chalk River in Ontario remains safely shut down while investigations into the location of a heavy water leak continue, the company said yesterday.
The leak was discovered on 14 May 2009 after a loss of electrical power occurred in parts of eastern Ontario and western Quebec, as a result of which the NRU reactor was safely shut down.
During routine monitoring in the early hours of 15 May, a small leak of heavy water was detected within the reactor facility. AECL said the heavy water is “fully contained” and is being stored in specially designed drums.
There are small amounts of heavy water evaporation associated with the leak, resulting in a monitored tritium release through the NRU ventilation system.
There is no threat to workers, the public, the environment or nuclear safety related to the leak, AECL said. The Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission was notified.
“The release is well below regulatory limits and monitoring of radiological emissions is continuing,” the company said in a statement. “AECL continues to make progress in our investigation for the source of the leak.
Production of medical isotopes continues and AECL expects to meet its production requirements through most of the next week.”
The NRU produces medical radioisotopes and is Canada’s main facility for nuclear power research and materials research.
>>Related reports in the NucNet database (available to subscribers)
‘Lessons Learned’ Report Into NRU Shutdown Outlines 15 recommendations (News No. 61, 29 July 2008)
Shortage Of Nuclear Medicine Supplies Is Becoming ‘Chronic Disease’ (World Nuclear Review No. 48, 12 December 2008)
